This was no secret, but today the Metro Council announced that Bob Henderson will not be seeking re-election out Dixie Highway in District 14. You can read the official statement below, which does not include an endorsement of a successor.
Tempers flare pretty easily when it comes to Dixie Highway politics, and Henderson has been the target of plenty of criticism during his time on the Council, which began when the Council was formed in 2003. Now, in the 14th, there are candidates lining up from both parties, so residents can expect a lot of politicking between now and May.
Henderson’s hand-picked successor is Earl Yocum, who he describes as his “right-hand man” who he says knows the district as well as he does. Yocum, Hnderson says, is a “tremendous organizer.” He’ll be opposed in the primary by longtime resident Mark Romines, who told me he had expected Henderson’s support at one point. Henderson said he wouldn’t say anything negative about Romines, but that I’d find out why he coudn’t support him. hmm.
Also running in the Democratic primary is activist Ray Pierce, who has been a frequent critic of the Metropolitan Sewer District and Henderson.
There is a 3-way battle on the Republican side also, led by Bob Heuglin, a real estate manager who lost to Henderson in 2008. Gordon Ritchie, who lost a primary to Heuglin in 2008, and Eric Bullock have also signed up to run.
Louisville – Councilman Bob Henderson has announced he will not seek re-election in 2012 for the District 14 seat on the Louisville Metro Council.
“I have accomplished what I set out to do to help improve the district and the time has come to spend more time with my family,” says Henderson. “I am proud to have helped the Metro Council begin operation under merged government.”
Henderson was one of the founding members of the Metro Council when merged government began in January of 2003. He is a lifelong resident of Valley Station. Bob and his wife Patsy attend church at St. Peters Catholic Church in Valley Station. He is a past member of Riverport Community and St. Timothy Churches.
He is a retired assistant general foreman for CSX Railroad and is retired from Henderson Consulting and Henderson Contracting. He graduated from Valley High School and served in the U.S. Army and the U. S. Marine Reserves.
“I want to thank the people of Southwest Jefferson County who have supported me over all these years. We have focused some attention on areas where government has made a difference and have cleaned up some neglected areas,” says Henderson. “It’s time for someone new to come forward and serve the people of the district.
